Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Surcouf (F711)

French frigate Surcouf F711, port of Livorno
The 125-meter “Surcouf” (F711) is a La Fayette-class frigate of the French Navy, launched at the at Lorient Naval Dockyard in 1993. Her 100 mm naval gun is clearly visible in this photo.
French frigate Surcouf F711, port of Livorno
The ships of this class are considered “stealth” (furtive in French) frigates because they have a reduced radar cross section obtained with a clean superstructure, angled sides and radar absorbent material. A battery of eight Crotale missiles and at least one Exocet launcher are visible at midship.
French frigate Surcouf F711, port of Livorno
Usually, trying to take the picture of a flag is a good way to make the wind drop. I am glad it didn't work this time.

External links: French frigate Surcouf (F711) - La Fayette-class frigate - French 100 mm naval gun - Crotale - Exocet (Wikipedia)

15 comments:

William Kendall said...

Quite an impressive ship.

Lois said...

Impressive! Excellent shot of the flag too. I always have trouble photographing them.

Revrunner said...

Is it my imagination or does it look like this ship has sustained some serious damage near the bow and elsewhere near the water line?

Jack said...

Living in Livorno gives you a lot of insight into these ships.

Randy said...

I really like that last shot.

Gunn said...

Great documentary images.
Are they open for the public to visit?
Sometimes they are open here for a few hours on Saturdays or Sundays.

It must be very special to live and work on these solid things for weeks at the time.

Karl said...

Impressive ship !

Luis Gomez said...

These are truly great. Thanks VP.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

The wind was definitely on your side that day VP, perfect flag shot! You have many interesting visitors to your harbour.

EG CameraGirl said...

Super shot of the flag, VP. You're right that the wind usually drops just as the shutter clicks.

cieldequimper said...

What on earth are they doing in Livorno?

I'm glad that I'm not the only one finding that wind just stops when I spot a flag...

RedPat said...

Perfect flag shot!

Stefan Jansson said...

Nice facts and photos.

Dina said...

How interesting!

UIFPW08 said...

Belle foto wow..
Morris